How to Knit a Vertical Buttonhole

A vertical buttonhole is stretchier than a cast-off horizontal buttonhole. You work each side of the vertical buttonhole with a separate ball of yarn. Test the buttonhole opening with the width of your button to know how many rows to work to achieve an accurately sized buttonhole.

A vertical buttonhole is often worked in 1x1 ribbing and 2x2 ribbing. When worked in a rib, a vertical buttonhole is easily camouflaged in the purl trough. However, this style of buttonhole can also be worked in seed stitch and garter stitch, both of which create a nice clean edge for the buttonhole.

1

Row 1: RS: Work in 1 x 1 rib pattern to the position of the buttonhole.

End with a knit stitch, ready to work a purl stitch. The purl stitch should be in the center of the buttonband.

2

Purl into the front and the back of the next (purl) stitch.

Increasing 1 stitch in the purl trough allows for each side of the buttonhole to be edged by a purl stitch on the RS. If you're working in a 2x2 rib, garter stitch, or seed stitch, no increase is needed.

3

Continue in the rib pattern to the end of the row.

Work in 1x1 rib to the end of the buttonband or row. If you're placing this vertical buttonhole in a garment you'll need to work in 1x1 rib to the end of the buttonband and then in the garment pattern to the end of the row.

Row 2: WS: Work in 1x1 rib to increased stitch. You'll notice two knit stitches (this is where you have increased) with a purl stitch on either side. Note: If you're placing this vertical buttonhole in a garment you will need to work in garment pattern until you reach the buttonband. Work in 1x1 ribbing until you have reached the increased stitch.

4

Work Row 2 in the rib pattern to the increased stitch.

There will be two knit stitches with a purl stitch on either side.

5

Knit the increased stitch.

The increased stitch is the first of the two knit stitches.

6

Attach a second ball of yarn, knit the second knit stitch, and then work in 1x1 rib (or stitch of choice) to the end of the row.

Begin with k1.

7

Row 3: RS: Work in 1x1 rib to the where the first ball of yarn is attached.

Use first ball of yarn to complete 1x1 row. Note: If you're placing this vertical buttonhole in a garment you'll work in garment pattern to the end of the row.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 as many times as needed for the right size buttonhole.

8

Close the buttonhole.

On a RS row, purl the 2 stitches at the top of the hole together. On a WS row, knit the 2 stitches at the top of the hole together.